California's Bold Steps by Executive Order

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Yesterday California Governor Jerry Brown announced the most ambitious goal to cut climate change emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 -ambitious but forceful of California to lead the way. The goal is achievable by shifting electrical energy production to 50% renewable sources, by reducing use of petroleum fuels in cars and trucks, and by increasing the energy efficiency of buildings.

 This chart shows the contribution to atmospheric emissions causing climate change from different means  of transportation. The governor's plan did not give specifics how the emissions goal would be met. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change shows relative emissions intensity from each form of transportation particularly aircraft, as shown in the IPCC report.

Emissions from walking and cycling are ZERO.

This chart shows the range of atmospheric emissions caused by different means of transportation. Notice bicycles and walking are not shown because their contributions are ZERO. Shifting the transportation mode from aircraft and driving to rail and cycling in particular short-trips would greatly reduce the contribution to emissions.

Choosing the correct mode of transport for the trip intended is the specific missing in the Governors proposal. The correct means of transport is a choice everyone can make to ensure the goal for emission reductions are met.

For a progressive view on reducing aircraft emissions read the interview with Richard Branson of Virgin Group.

To find the equivalent energy used or pollution emitted from different transport modes try the EPA emissions calculator.

-LS